Summary
Net carbon-dioxide exchange and loss of photosynthate-14C from leaves of Vicia faba L. were estimated throughout a day (16/8 h light/dark periods) by infrared gas analysis and Geiger-Müller-tube monitoring, respectively. Net photosynthesis reached 95% of the mean maximum rate within 1 h of the start of the photoperiod, and thereafter remained relatively constant before declining during the last 2–4 h of the photoperiod. Respiration was highest at the start of the dark period. The loss of photosynthate-14C from leaves exhibited two phases: a rapid phase which was fastest but shortest following 14C incorporation in the middle of the photoperiod, and a slower phase of much longer duration. Absolute rates of 14C loss exhibited diurnal trends reaching 95% of the maximum 6 h after the start of the photoperiod and remaining high until darkness, and then declined markedly. Of the total carbon fixed in one 24 h period, about 50% was lost during the current photoperiod, 14% during the dark period and 5% during the next photoperiod. The estimated amount of carbohydrate remaining within the leaf followed a diurnal pattern of accumulation and depletion. The daily course of translocation was not closely related to that of net photosynthesis or carbohydrate concentration.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bassham, J. A., Kirk, M.: Dynamic metabolic regulation of the photosynthetic carbon reduction cycle. In: Comparative biochemistry and biophysics of photosynthesis, p. 365–378, Shibata, K., Takamiya, A., Jagendorf, A. T. and Fuller, R. C., eds. Tokyo: Univ. Press 1968
Charles-Edwards, D. A., Charles-Edwards, J., Cooper, J. P.: The influence of temperature on photosynthesis and transpiration in ten temperate grass varieties grown in four different environments. J. exp. Bot. 22, 650–662 (1971)
Chmora, S. N.: Photosynthetic light curves for a maize stand. In: Photosynthesis of productive systems, p. 114–119, Nichiporovich, A. A., ed. Jerusalem: Israel Program Scient. Translns. 1967
Cowan, I. R.: Oscillations in stomatal conductance and plant functioning associated with stomatal conductance: observations and a model. Planta (Berl.) 106, 185–219 (1972)
Downes, R. W.: Effect of light intensity and leaf temperature on photosynthesis and transpiration in wheat and sorghum. Aust. J. Biol. Sci. 23, 775–782 (1970)
Esau, K., Cheadle, V. I.: Mitochondria in the phloem of Cucurbita. Bot. Gaz. 124, 79–85 (1962)
Gaastra, P.: Photosynthesis of crop plants as influenced by light, carbon dioxide, temperature and stomatal diffusion resistance. Meded. Landbouwhogsch. Wagenengen 59, No. 13 (1959)
Habeshaw, D.: The effect of light on the translocation from sugar-beet leaves. J. exp. Bot. 20, 64–71 (1969)
Habeshaw, D.: The effect of light on the translocation from sugar-beet leaves. J. exp. Bot. 20, 64–71 (1969)
Habeshaw, D.: Translocation and the control of photosynthesis in sugar beet. Planta (Berl.) 110, 213–226 (1973)
Hartt, C. E.: Light and translocation of C14 in detached blades of sugarcane. Plant Physiol. 40, 718–724 (1965)
Hartt, C. E., Kortschak, H. P.: Sugar gradients and translocation of sucrose in detached blades of sugarcane. Plant Physiol. 39, 460–474 (1969)
Hartt, C. E., Kortschak, H. P.: Translocation of 14C in the sugarcane plant during the day and night. Plant Physiol. 42, 89–94 (1967)
Ho, L. C., Mortimer, D. C.: The site of cyanide inhibition of sugar translocation in sugar beet leaf. Canad. J. Bot. 49, 1769–1775 (1971)
Hopkinson, J. M.: Studies on the expansion of the leaf surface. IV. The carbon and phosphorus economy of a leaf. J. exp. Bot. 15, 125–137 (1964)
Iyama, J., Murata, Y., Homna, T.: Studies on the photosynthesis of forage crops. III. Influence of the different temperature levels on diurnal changes in the photosynthesis of forage crops under constant conditions. Proc. Crop Sci. Soc. Japan 33, 25–28 (1964)
Kowallik, W.: Action spectrum for the enhancement of endogenous respiration by light in Chlorella. Plant Physiol. 42, 672–676 (1967)
Lovell, P. H., Oo, H. T., Sagar, G. R.: An investigation into the rate and control of assimilate movement from leaves of Pisum sativum. J. exp. Bot. 23, 255–266 (1972)
McNairn, R. B.: Phloem translocation and heat-induced callose formation in fieldgrown Gossypium hirsutum L. Plant Physiol. 50, 366–370 (1972)
McPherson, H. G., Slatyer, R. O.: Mechanisms regulating photosynthesis in Pennisetum typhoides. Aust. J. biol. Sci. 26, 329–339 (1973)
Moorby, J., Troughton, J. H., Currie, B. G.: Investigations of carbon transport in plants. II. The effects of light and darkness and sink activity on translocation. J. exp. Bot., in press
Osman, A. M., Milthorpe, F. L.: Photosynthesis of wheat leaves in relation to age, illuminance and nutrient supply. I. Techniques. II. Results. Photosynthetica 5, 55–70 (1971)
Pearson, C. J.: Daily changes in stomatal aperture and in carbohydrates and malate within epidermis and mesophyll of leaves of Commelina cyanea and Vicia faba. Aust. J. biol. Sci. 26, 1035–1044 (1973)
Pearson, C. J., Hunt, L. A.: Studies on the daily course of carbon exchange in alfalfa plants. Canad. J. Bot. 50, 1377–1384 (1972)
Pearson, C. J., Milthorpe, F. L.: Structure, carbon dioxide fixation and metabolism of stomata. Aust. J. Plant Physiol. 1, 221–236 (1974)
Plaut, Z., Reinhold, L.: Concomitant photosynthesis implicated in the light effect on translocation in bean plants. Aust. J. biol. Sci. 22, 1105–1111 (1969)
Walker, D. A.: Photosynthetic induction phenomena and the light activation of ribulose diphosphate carboxylase. New Phytol. 72, 209–236 (1972)
Zelitch, I.: Photosynthesis, photorespiration and plant productivity. New York: Acad. Press 1971
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Pearson, C.J. Daily changes in carbon-dioxide exchange and photosynthate translocation of leaves of Vicia faba . Planta 119, 59–70 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00390822
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00390822